West Ham United will be taking a 'massive gamble' if they fail to agree fresh terms with Tomas Soucek ahead of a potential tug-of-war for London Stadium favourite Declan Rice over the summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Soucek and Rice have struck up a fruitful partnership in east London, with them featuring alongside each other in the heart of the Hammers' midfield 86 times.

What's the latest news involving Soucek?

West Ham forked out £17.5million to make Soucek's loan move from Slavia Prague permanent in the summer of 2020 and he has gone on to impress in claret and blue.

The 27-year-old has found the back of the net 18 times in 97 appearances, with his goals from midfield being invaluable for the Hammers.

However, according to 90min, West Ham have shelved discussions over extending Soucek’s contract until the end of the season.

The report suggests there remains a willingness from both parties to agree fresh terms but, as it stands, the east Londoners have failed to reach an agreement with the 48-cap Czech Republic international.

Soucek, who is valued by Transfermarkt at £40.5million, is approaching the final two years of his £47,000-per-week contract.

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What has Dean Jones said about Soucek?

Jones believes West Ham are taking a risk by not tying 27-year-old Soucek down to an extended deal at the London Stadium.

The transfer insider fears the decision could come back to haunt Hammers boss David Moyes if Rice ends up departing the club in the summer.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "It will be a massive gamble to not agree terms with Soucek.

"Suddenly, they could see one of the big players come in and offer the money they want for Declan Rice, so it's a really key time for West Ham over these talks."

Is Rice likely to leave West Ham in the summer?

According to 90min, Manchester United are willing to break their transfer record in order to strike a deal for Rice.

The report suggests Rice and his representatives have made it clear to West Ham that they feel this year is the right time for him to move on and the Red Devils are keen to make him their marquee signing of the summer.

However, amid additional interest from Chelsea, Moyes has insisted Rice will not be sold for less than £150million.

With Rice's £62,000-per-week contract not expiring until the summer of 2024, West Ham are not in an immediate rush to sell the central midfielder.